A decade of defying expectations: Women Leaders 2025 celebrates Milton Keynes’ trailblazers

On Thursday 12th June, the DoubleTree by Hilton at Stadium MK welcomed a packed room of over 400 guests for a very special celebration — the 10th annual Women Leaders Awards. A decade in, and still going strong, the evening was filled with stories, smiles, and standing ovations as Milton Keynes came together to spotlight its most inspiring women.

This year’s theme? “Smashing Stereotypes.” And it did exactly what it said on the tin — celebrating women who’ve been quietly (or loudly) defying expectations, shifting perspectives, and making waves in all the right places.

The awards shone a light on women across every sector, from emerging talent to those already reshaping their industries. It wasn’t about who shouts the loudest — it was about real impact, steady graft, and the courage to do things differently.

Among the standout moments? The nomination of Miah Wilson, an apprentice machinist at Red Bull Racing and the youngest finalist the awards have ever seen. Her story — and many like hers — spoke to a new generation of leadership that’s bold, inclusive, and ready to rewrite the rules.

Kicking off the night were Dr Julie Mills OBE, Chair of Women Leaders, and Ruby Parmar, Vice Chair, who reflected on a decade of progress — and paid tribute to the late Ranjit Singh, a tireless advocate for equity and inclusion whose legacy continues to shape the event.

“We’ve always said supporting women doesn’t mean excluding men,” Dr Mills shared. “It means fixing an imbalance. One that’s now recognised not just by communities, but by investors, policymakers and business leaders too. Progress happens when talent meets opportunity — and that’s what tonight is all about.”

Fourteen awards, fourteen stories that stopped the room in its tracks. Here’s who took home the honours:

• Community Impact (Employed): Maya Joseph-Hussain, Safety Centre

• Community Impact (Volunteer): Michelle Theuma, Concept Onyx Recruitment

• Digital & Technology: Stephanie Stasey, CEO, Miss AI

• Emerging Leader: Emma Gasking, Avalon Transformation Partners

• Engineering, Science & Maths: Professor Jacqueline Hannam, Cranfield University

• Entrepreneur: Sophie Davis, Outdoor Adventure Girls

• Healthcare: Jane Lambert, Makewell

• Manufacturing & Construction: Lucy Kuhar, Architect

• Music, Arts & Creative Industries: Monica Ferguson, CEO, The Stables

• None of the Above: Samantha Amey, Ascent-trix Fitness

• Professional Services: Lucy Bradban, Freeths

• Skills, Education & Training: Maria Bowness, Milton Keynes College

• Sports, Leisure & Retail: Joanna Fleet, Red Bull Racing

• Uniformed & Public Services: DI Rachel Wheaton, Thames Valley Police

The night’s most prestigious accolade — the Outstanding Contribution Award — was presented to Professor Jacqueline Hannam, whose transformative work in soil science and tireless commitment to education and inclusion made her a standout among standouts.

Beyond the trophies, the evening was filled with gestures that spoke volumes. Binta Bah Pokawa was gifted an exclusive spa day by Horwood House, in recognition of her community leadership. Rising stars Joanna Dodi and Miah Wilsonsecured places on the Red Thread Fellowship — a year-long leadership programme bridging ambition and purpose.

And in a move that cements this event as more than a moment, all 2025 winners will receive a year’s free access to the World Class Manager Series 1, an online leadership course developed by The Red Thread Partnership in collaboration with GGI.

It takes a village, and the Women Leaders Awards had one. With NHBC as headline sponsor, and the backing of brilliant organisations like MK Community Foundation, Oracle Red Bull Racing, Freeths, PJ Care, MK Dons, Helix, Vinkez Consulting, MHA, and Howes Percival, the night was a reminder of what’s possible when local businesses invest in people — not just profits.

After ten years of elevating women in Milton Keynes, the message from this milestone event was clear: change happens when we back people who don’t fit the mould — and champion the ones still waiting to be seen.

Whether you’re smashing stereotypes, climbing ladders, or building new ones altogether — your moment might be next.

Want to nominate someone remarkable for 2026? Head to womenleadersmk.co.uk — and let’s keep rewriting the rulebook, one story at a time.